1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 656 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Caterham | Mercury |
Model | C21 | Cougar |
Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |